Crystal Palace are negotiating a new deal with striker Christian Benteke, manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed.
The Belgian has just four goals in his last 50 Premier League appearances, but is now in the final year of his deal in south London and Palace are reluctant to lose a player they’ve invested so much in on a free.
Benteke currently earns £120,000-a-week at Selhurst Park, though that could reduce in any new contract with the chances of finding a new club willing to pay such wages slim. Hodgson also confirmed that defender James Tomkins is in line for a contract extension.
“I believe negotiations are taking place,” Hodgson said. “James Tomkins comes into that category as well, certainly, but I can’t tell you how far advanced those negotiations are, because they are being held by our chairman and our sporting director Doug Freedman.
“It is up to the club, these are matters for the club, but of course if players are in the last year of their contracts, it can be more difficult.
“If Christian signs a new contract I will be happy for him and I shall be happy to continue working with him.”
